. >> president obama hosted german chancellor angela merkel at the white house. wrestling with ways to turn up the heat on vladimir putin whilst not hurting german's economic ties to russia, trades amounting to $100 billion. >> a word on sanction, i agree with the american president. they are not an end in itself, but combined with an of of diplomatic solutions it's a necessary second component to show that we are serious about our principals. >> it is obvious to the world that the russian-backed groups are not peaceful protesters. they are heavily armed mill tans receiving support from russia. the ukranian government has the right to uphold law and order in its territory. russia needs to use influence so they disarticle and stop provoking violence. >> the president touched on kidnapping of international observers and the approved $17 billion international monetary fund loan. the government in kiev demanded all the separatists in eastern ukraine lay down weapons and release hostages. >>> is the ukranian government willing to do everything required to regain contr